This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Published on September 7, 2019, by GITAU WARIGI, a renowned author.
Kenya's corporate philanthropy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Gone are the days of simply throwing money at charitable causes; today, companies are focusing on making a lasting impact that benefits both the recipients and the wider community.
One notable example of this shift is Equity Bank's annual scholarship program, which has been in operation since 1998. The program, known as the Equity Leaders Programme (ELP), has provided scholarships to over 14,000 students in Kenyan high schools and Technical Vocation Education Training institutions (TVETs). This year, 56 students were selected for the program, with 17 qualifying for the Wings to Fly initiative, which supports high-achieving students.
The ELP is a highly competitive program that mirrors the criteria set by the MacArthur Foundation, which prioritizes accomplished creative individuals. The program's innovative approach goes beyond providing scholarships and stipends, as it also offers internship opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance to its alumni.
Under the ELP, students are attached to Equity Bank as sponsoring entities, where they undergo training and internship programs tied to mentorship. This comprehensive approach aims to mold leaders in various fields, including medicine, engineering, economics, and more.
As GITAU WARIGI notes, the ELP's importance cannot be overstated, as it has produced high-calibre professionals who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. The program's success is a testament to the power of corporate philanthropy in Kenya, which has come of age in recent years.
